Spring means lots of things, but if you’re thinking of selling your home, it means making your home so clean it sparkles like a diamond. In fact, homebuyers tend to overlook a lot of imperfections if the home is clean, uncluttered, and bright. According to this article in The New York Times, a clean home will sell faster than one not cleaned. Here’s why:
Homebuyers want to envision themselves living in the home.
If the house looks and smells as if another family lives there, this can impede their “bonding with the home.” If you have a dog, but the potential buyer is a cat lover or prefers no pets at all, your pet’s odors may be offputting.
Clutter becomes a distraction.
If you leave your home cluttered, not only will a buyer find it difficult to see themselves living there, they may be less inclined to view the entire home. When a homebuyer visits your home, they want to see everything. And, especially now, visitors will be loathed to touch anything, so need to see it all from a safe distance.
First impressions stick.
No real estate agent can overcome the first impression. So make yours count. Here are the “firsts” to pay attention to the most:
- Windows: viewed from both the outside and the inside, here is one place your home should sparkle like a diamond.
- Entry: sweep walkways, porches, and steps. Make sure both the exterior and interior entry areas are clear of clutter (shoes, boots, etc.) and inviting.
- Living area: stow away personal items such as family photos and memorabilia and leave your living area neutral.
- Kitchen: here is one place not to skimp. Clean the oven and cooktop, wipe down the refrigerator, clean out the sink, and refresh the garbage disposal. Make sure the baseboards, light fixtures, and ceiling corners are dust and cobweb-free.
- Baths: a quick turn-off is a moldy or grimy bathroom. Clean and scrub the tile and grout, toilet and sink areas, and especially the mirrors and fixtures. Replace old shower curtains (or hang ones especially for when your house is being viewed).
- Garage: many folks think that they can stuff everything into the garage because “no one looks in there anyway.” But this is not true. Many buyers prioritize garage space. So take care to stage your garage just like you do the rest of your house. Move your cars out and park them down the street. Keep the floor free from oil drips and spills. Remove anything that you’re not using and send it to storage. If you have a tool area, keep it organized and neat.
Hire a Pro
If you’re concerned about tackling the cleaning on your own, hire a professional. It is well worth the effort to show a clean, organized home if you need a quick sale. Here is a map of local cleaning services in the greater Morgantown area.
